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    Differences between different versions of Windows 7

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by y3kesprit, Nov 21, 2010.

  1. y3kesprit

    y3kesprit Notebook Consultant

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    Hey all,

    I am confused!

    Which version is most appropriate for a user who uses the notebook for normal stuff (like gaming, browsing, doing some schoolwork, watching videos).

    There are Home, Professional and the Ultimate. Which would be sufficient?
     
    y3kesprit, Nov 21, 2010
    #1
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Home Premium should suffice for you. Search Google for the differences, there are several sites that list the differences out in a nice tabular format, including Microsoft.
     
    sgogeta4, Nov 21, 2010
    #2
  3. Hayte

    Hayte Notebook Evangelist

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    Home Premium is what you need.

    The only difference is that Professional has XP Mode, remote desktop and the ability to join domains. You can run XP with Windows 7 Professional using VMWare Workstation Trial + Windows XP install CD + VMWare Player when trial period expires. Ultimate has everything Professional has plus bitlocker (which you can sort of do for free with TrueCrypt anyway). Basically, unless you are a sysadmin, you only need Home Premium.
     
    Hayte, Nov 21, 2010
    #3
  4. Paul79UF

    Paul79UF Notebook Enthusiast

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    To add to what Hayte wrote -

    Don't worry if you have old XP 32 bit programs, you don't need XP Mode to run them.

    I've got a couple of old programs that I use every day that are 32 bit. Windows 7 has no problem running them in the 64 bit environment.

    There is a program files (64 bit) and program files (x86 aka 32bit) folder in the windows folder where Win7 puts each type of program.
     
    Paul79UF, Nov 21, 2010
    #4
  5. Hayte

    Hayte Notebook Evangelist

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    Its also worth mentioning that all versions of Windows 7 have various compatibility modes (95, 98, NT, Server 2008, XP Service pack 1, 2 & 3 compatibility and Vista) so you will very rarely encounter any program that you cannot run natively in Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium.
     
    Hayte, Nov 21, 2010
    #5
  6. y3kesprit

    y3kesprit Notebook Consultant

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    Ah thanks for clearing up, people.

    Sounds like Home Premium is the way to go!
     
    y3kesprit, Nov 21, 2010
    #6
  7. lineS of flight

    lineS of flight Notebook Virtuoso

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    Would you consider Win 7 Pro more "secure" that Win 7 HP (both 64-bit)?
     
    lineS of flight, Nov 21, 2010
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  8. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    In terms of susceptibility to viruses and internet retalted stuff etc, then no.

    Pro does have EFS encryption which means your data is much more secure, though there are 3rd party products for Home that do the same.
     
    Nankuru, Nov 21, 2010
    #8
  9. michael_recycled

    michael_recycled Notebook Deity

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    The Pro versions support group policies including software restriction policies. If you know how to handle them, then the answer is a big fat "Yes".

    Michael
     
    michael_recycled, Nov 21, 2010
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  10. Hayte

    Hayte Notebook Evangelist

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    If you aren't a sysadmin then you probably won't ever set group policies. If you are a sysadmin its worth it to get the Pro version because it will make your life so much easier.
     
    Hayte, Nov 21, 2010
    #10
  11. DboogieC

    DboogieC Notebook Deity

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    Home is the most basic. Professional gives you more administrative privileges, like local policies.
     
    DboogieC, Nov 21, 2010
    #11